The Myrna Loy has been developing a relationship with the tremendous teaching artist Ilgaz Ulusoy Casey over the course of the past year. Ilgaz has a masters degree in Cultural Studies, with a focus in Movement and Theatre, as well as extensive experience working to build inclusiveness in the arts. She moved to Helena after working and traveling around Europe with a mixed-abled theatre group, and has continued to work as an artist and educator in our community. In 2017-18, The Myrna Loy engaged Ilgaz to do a short-term residency with Debbie Dorrance’s Life Skills and Positive Behavior Support groups at Capital High School. Students in these groups deal with obstacles including blindness, autism, developmental delay, cognitive deficits, seizure activity, and emotional trauma, and PTSD. The students, teachers, and para educators were all so moved and inspired by the experience with Ilgaz that we have been eager to explore ways to grow and strengthen the relationship. We are delighted to announce that we have received a Montana Arts Council Grant for Ilgaz to continue the work with these students over the winter with a 10 week residency starting in January!
